Kolvenburg

The Kolvenburg is a small moated castle from the 15th and 16th centuries. It is located in Billerbeck, west of Münster, and is considered a typical residence of the lower nobility in Münsterland. Today the Kolvenburg is a cultural centre of the district of Coesfeld. Regularly changing exhibitions are presented in the historic rooms of the Kolvenburg.

Many of the castles and palaces in Münsterland have only become the impressive and beautiful buildings they are today over time, over centuries. This is also the case with the Kolvenburg. According to recent research, it is known that the Kolvenburg building contains remains of a square wall, a tower and a two-room house. Moreover, the castle has only been called "Kolvenburg" since the 16th century; before that it was called "Voetshues" and "Burg Overwater".

The Berkel with its marshy banks provided protection from attackers in the north. The castle complex also consisted of a castle hill and a square surrounded by water. Several ditches and ramparts provided sufficient defence. Ultimately, it was knights from Billerbeck who built the Kolvenburg. It was not until around 1300 that the Kolve, who later gave the castle its name, came to the village. They were followed as castle owners by the von Halthausen, the Voet, von Münster, von Oer and von Romberg, among others. The Kolvenburg is characteristic of the residences of the lower nobility that used to be typical in Münsterland.

From the 16th century onwards, the building was mainly inhabited by stewards and tenants; the nobility was still seldom to be found here. Until 1735, a building house, a shed and a gatehouse were also part of the actual residential building. Today's Kolvenburg was completely restored between 1958 and 1976. In the process, the building's condition from the last construction period at the end of the 16th century was restored. The castle was ultimately never completely finished and remained almost unchanged for over 400 years.

• A tour of the Kolvenburg's exterior is possible at any time.
• Interior tours during general opening hours
• The upper floor is not accessible barrier-free